Kooskia National Fish Hatchery

Kooskia National Fish Hatchery

Located in north Central Idaho, Kooskia raises and releases 600,000 spring Chinook salmon every year into the Clearwater River Basin. Authorized by Congress in 1961 and producing fish since 1969, the hatchery is now managed by the Nez Perce Tribe following a 2007 settlement transfer.

What makes this hatchery remarkable is the journey these fish take. Smolts released at Kooskia travel 540 miles to the Pacific Ocean, passing eight hydroelectric dams along the way, then return 2-3 years later as 7-20 pound adults.

⭐ Federal Fish Hatchery

🐟 Spring Chinook Salmon Production — Clearwater River Basin

Address:  318 Toll Road, Kooskia, ID

Phone: (208) 926-4272

🔗 Official Hatchery Website

Species Raised

🐟 Spring Chinook Salmon

Services & Features

✅ Public visitor access
✅ Scenic Clear Creek and Middle Fork Clearwater River setting
✅ Hiking trails on site
✅ Nez Perce Tribe managed facility
✅ Active salmon production year round

Visitor Information

Visitors can view salmon at various stages of development depending on the season. Best time to visit for adult salmon viewing is May through August during trapping season.

The hatchery is open daily from 7:30-4, closed on holidays.